Fourth sat on the edge of his bed, his fingers tracing the worn-out fabric of his blanket. His room was small, barely enough space for the creaky bed and rickety desk shoved into the corner. The air was heavy with the scent of dust and old wood, remnants of years spent in this prison disguised as a home.

A sudden sound broke through the stillness. The low growl of an engine rolling to a stop just outside the house. Fourth's heart clenched. Visitors were rare. And when they did come, it was never for anything good.

He hesitated before standing, creeping toward the window. Peeking through the cracked blinds, he saw a sleek black car parked in the driveway. Two figures stepped out. A young man with a sharp, commanding presence and a woman who moved with an air of quiet strength. Something about her immediately put him at ease.

Before he could process his thoughts, the front door creaked open, and heavy footsteps echoed through the house. His uncle's gruff voice followed. "Who the hell are you?"

The young man's reply was curt. "Not your damn problem. We're here for the kid."

Fourth swallowed hard. The kid. Him.

His uncle let out a barking laugh. "You think you can just walk in here and take what's mine?"

The woman's voice was softer, yet firm. "He's not yours, and you know it. He deserves better than this."

Fourth's breath caught. He had spent years convincing himself that escape wasn't an option, that no one would come. And yet, here they were.

More words were exchanged, but Fourth couldn't focus on them. The next thing he knew, a knock came at his door. Not a harsh rap like his uncle's, but a lighter, purposeful knock.

He turned as the door swung open. The man from the car stood in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes assessing him with a mix of impatience and something unreadable.

"Get your stuff," the man-Gemini, he assumed-said brusquely. "We don't have all day."

Fourth hesitated, his body frozen in uncertainty.

The woman, stepping in beside Gemini, offered a small smile. "It's okay," she said gently. "I'm Prim. We came to take you somewhere safe."

Unlike Gemini, her presence radiated warmth, an unfamiliar feeling in this cold house.

Fourth took a shaky breath, glancing between the two of them. Could he trust them? Was this real?

Gemini sighed, rolling his eyes. "Look, kid, you can either sit there like a statue or come with us. But I'm not in the mood to waste time."

Fourth flinched at the harshness, but Prim shot her brother a look before turning back to him. "You don't have to be afraid anymore."

For the first time in years, Fourth let himself believe that maybe-just maybe-she was right.

He took a step forward.

Here's the next chapter! Let me know if you want any changes or additions.